Compositions and methods for stimulating hair growth

ABSTRACT

Methods and compositions for stimulating the growth of hair are disclosed wherein said compositions include a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         
           
             wherein the dashed bonds represent the presence or absence of a double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration and A, B, Z, X, R 1  and R 2  are as defined in the specification and a penetration enhancer. Such compositions are used in stimulating hair growth of human or non-human animals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/508,260, filed on May 4, 2012, which claims the benefit of a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT patent application PCT/US10/55712, filed on Nov. 5, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/259,368, filed Nov. 9, 2009, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for stimulating the growth of hair and treating disorders resulting in hair loss wherein said compositions include a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I:

wherein the dashed bonds represent the presence or absence of a double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration and A, B, Z, X, R₁ and R₂ are as defined in the specification and a penetration enhancer. Such compositions are used in stimulating hair growth of human or non-human animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dermatologists recognize many different types of hair loss, the most common being “alopecia” or “baldness” wherein humans (mostly males) begin losing scalp hair at the temples and on the crown of their head. However, hair loss may be due to many other disorders.

Hair loss is often accompanied by a change in the hair growth cycle. All mammalian hair passes through a life cycle that includes the anagen phase, the catagen phase and the telogen phase. The anagen phase is the period of active hair growth. In the scalp, this phase lasts from 3-5 years. The catagen phase is a short 1-2 week transitional phase between the anagen phase and the telogen phase. The final telogen phase is considered a “resting phase” where all growth ceases. This phase is also relatively short-lived lasting about 3-4 months before the hair is shed and a new one begins to grow. With the onset of baldness, a successively greater proportion of hairs are in the telogen phase with correspondingly fewer in the active growth anagen phase.

Additionally, different types of hair exist including terminal hairs, vellus hairs and modified terminal hairs. Terminal hairs are coarse, pigmented, long hairs in which the bulb of the hair follicle is seated deep in the dermis. Vellus hairs, on the other hand, are fine, thin, non-pigmented short hairs in which the hair bulb is located superficially in the dermis. Modified terminal hairs are seen in eye lashes and eye brows. As alopecia progresses, a transition takes place wherein the hairs themselves change from the terminal to the vellus type. Accordingly, alopecia (baldness) also includes a deficiency in terminal hairs.

One non-drug treatment for alopecia is hair transplantation. Plugs of skin containing hair are transplanted from areas of the scalp where hair is growing to bald areas. This approach can be reasonably successful, however it is costly, time-consuming and painful. Other non-drug related approaches to treating alopecia include ultra-violet radiation, massage, psychiatric treatment and exercise therapy. None of these approaches, however, have been generally accepted as effective. Even such things as revascularization surgery or acupuncture have shown little, if any, effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Compositions and methods are disclosed herein for topical application of an effective amount of at least one penetration enhancer and cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I:

wherein the dashed bonds represent the presence or absence of a double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration, A is an alkylene or alkenylene radical having from two to six carbon atoms, which radical can be interrupted by one or more oxo radicals and substituted with one or more hydroxy, oxo, alkyloxy or akylcarboxy groups wherein the alkyl radical comprises from one to six carbon atoms; B is a cycloalkyl radical having from three to seven carbon atoms, or an aryl radical, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a lower alkyl radical having from four to ten carbon atoms wherein the heteroatom is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur atoms; X is —N(R₄)₂ wherein R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a lower alkyl radical having from one to six carbon atoms,

wherein R₅ is a lower alkyl radical having from one to six carbon atoms; Z is ═O; one of R₁ and R₂ is ═O, —OH or a —O(CO)R₆ group, and the other one is —OH or —O(CO)R₆, or R₁ is ═O and R₂ is H, wherein R₆ is a saturated or unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, or —(CH₂)mR₇ wherein m is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 10, and R₇ is cycloalkyl radical, having from three to seven carbon atoms, or a hydrocarbyl aryl or heteroaryl radical, as defined above in free form or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in association with a penetration enhancer in particular formulations adapted for topical application to mammalian skin.

In one embodiment, the cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I is the compound bimatoprost.

Another embodiment includes a composition comprising bimatoprost at a concentration of about 0.001-1.5% w/w, from 0.01-1.0% w/w, from 0.02-1.0% w/w, 0.03 to about 1.0% w/w, 0.03 to 0.9% w/w, 0.04 to 0.8% w/w, 0.05-0.7% w/w, 0.06%-0.6% w/w, 0.07%-0.5% w/w, 0.08-0.4% w/w, 0.09-0.3% w/w, 0.1% w/w, 0.2% w/w, 0.3% w/w, 0.4% w/w, 0.5% w/w, 0.6% w/w, 0.7% w/w, 0.8% w/w, 0.9% w/w and 1.0% w/w. The following excipients may be also be included: Carbomer at a concentration of about 0.05-1.0% w/w; base at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 2.0% w/w; ethanol at a concentration of about 10 to about 90% w/w; glycerin at a concentration of about 1.0 to about 20% w/w; diethylene glycol monoethyl ether at a concentration of about 1.0 to about 50% w/w; polysorbate 20 at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5.0% w/w; polysorbate 40 at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5.0% w/w; polysorbate 60 at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5.0% w/w; polysorbate 80 at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5.0% w/w; PPG-5 ceteth-20 at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5.0% w/w; oleic acid at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5.0% w/w; isostearyl isostearate at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 10% w/w; isopropyl myristate at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 10% w/w; dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether at a concentration of about 1 to about 50% w/w; diethylene glycol at a concentration of about 1 to about 50% w/w; dipropylene glycol at a concentration of about 1 to about 50% w/w; caprylic/capric at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 10% w/w; benzyl alcohol at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 2.0% w/w; silicone at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 10% w/w; and/or water at a concentration of about 0 to about 90% w/w.

Another embodiment includes a composition comprising bimatoprost at about 0.1% w/w; carbomer at about 0.10% w/w; NaOH at about 0.035% w/w; ethanol at about 15.0% w/w; diethylene glycol monoethyl ether at about 10.0% w/w; and water at about 74.8% w/w.

Another embodiment includes a composition comprising bimatoprost at about 0.1% w/w; carbomer at about 0.15% w/w; triethylamine (TEA) at about 0.22% w/w; ethanol at about 15.0% w/w; diethylene glycol monoethyl ether at about 10.0% w/w; polysorbate 20 at about 4.0% w/w; and water at about 70.5% w/w.

Another embodiment includes a composition comprising bimatoprost at about 0.1% w/w; carbomer at about 0.125% w/w; TEA at about 0.18% w/w; ethanol at about 30.0% w/w; diethylene glycol monoethyl ether at about 20.0% w/w; and water at about 49.59% w/w.

Another embodiment includes a composition comprising bimatoprost at about 0.1% w/w; carbomer at about 0.10% w/w; TEA at about 0.15% w/w; ethanol at about 30.0% w/w; propylene glycol at about 20% w/w; and water at about 49.7% w/w.

Another embodiment includes a composition comprising bimatoprost at about 0.1% w/w; carbomer at about 0.20% w/w; TEA at about 0.22% w/w; ethanol at about 60.0% w/w; glycerin at about 5.0% w/w; and water at about 34.48% w/w.

Another embodiment includes a composition comprising bimatoprost at about 0.1% w/w; carbomer at about 0.25% w/w; TEA at about 0.38% w/w; ethanol at about 60.0% w/w; polysorbate 20 at about 4.0% w/w; and water at about 35.27% w/w.

Another embodiment includes a composition comprising bimatoprost at about 0.1% w/w; carbomer at about 0.25% w/w; TEA at about 0.38% w/w; ethanol at about 50.0% w/w; diethylene glycol monoethyl ether at about 10% w/w; polysorbate 20 at about 4.0% w/w; and water at about 35.27% w/w.

The compositions were manufactured using the following general procedure. Non-aqueous components (e.g. bimatoprost, ethanol, glycols) were combined in a beaker and stirred using a propeller type overhead mixer until the solution was clear. Water was added to the non-aqueous mixture followed by the addition of the thickening agent. Upon dispersion of the thickening agent, a base was added to neutralize the polymer and thicken the solution into a gel other desired composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Bimatoprost is a moderately soluble compound intended for topical delivery to the skin to stimulate hair growth. Hair growth includes, without limitation, stimulating the conversion of vellus hair to growth as terminal hair as well as increasing the rate of growth of terminal hair. Embodiments disclosed herein provide formulations of bimatoprost and similar compounds with penetration enhancers. These penetration enhancers facilitate active component penetration and/or maintenance at their site of action in the skin. Formulations disclosed herein can be self-preserved or contain an antimicrobial agent such as benzyl alcohol.

In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, active components are represented by

The active components are provided in particular formulations that include penetration enhancers. Some examples of representative compounds useful in the practice of embodiments disclosed herein include the compounds shown in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Representative Compounds cyclopentane heptenamide-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1-trans- pentenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy, [1_(α),2_(β),3_(α),5_(α)] cyclopentane N,N-dimethylheptenamide-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1-trans-penten- yl)-3,5-dihydroxy, [1_(α),2_(β),3_(α),5_(α)] cyclopentane heptenylamide-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy-4-meta-chlorophenoxy- 1-trans-pent-enyl)-3,5-dihydroxy, [1_(α),2_(β),3_(α),5_(α)] cyclopentane heptenylamide-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy-4- trifluoromethylphenoxy-1-trans--pentenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy, [1_(α),2_(β),3_(α),5_(α)] cyclopentane N-isopropyl heptenamide-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1- trans-pentenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy, [1_(α),2_(β),3_(α),5_(α)] cyclopentane N-ethyl heptenamide-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1- trans-pentenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy, [1_(α),2_(β),3_(α),5_(α)] cyclopentane N-methyl heptenamide-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1- trans-pentenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy, [1_(α),2_(β),3_(α),5_(α)] cyclopentane heptenamide-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy-4-meta-chlorophenoxy-1- trans-buteny-l)-3,5-dihydroxy, [1_(α),2_(β),3_(α),5_(α)]

In one embodiment, the compound is a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-(phenyl alkyl or phenyloxyalkyl) represented by the formula II:

wherein y is 0 or 1, x is 0 or 1 and x and y are not both 1, Y is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, halo, e.g. fluoro, chloro, etc., nitro, amino, thiol, hydroxy, alkyloxy, alkylcarboxy, halo substituted alkyl wherein said alkyl radical comprises from one to six carbon atoms, etc. and n is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 3 and R₃ is ═O, —OH or —O(CO)R₆ wherein R₆ is as defined above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another embodiment, the compound is a compound of formula III:

wherein hatched lines indicate α configuration, solid triangles are used to indicate β configuration. In another embodiment, y is 1 and x is 0 and R₁, R₂ and R₃ are hydroxy.

One exemplary compound is cyclopentane N-ethyl heptanamide-5-cis-2-(3α-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1-trans-pentenyl)-3,5-dihy-droxy, [1_(α), 2_(β),3_(α),5_(α)], also known as bimatoprost and sold under the name of LUMIGAN® by Allergan, Inc., California, USA. This compound has the following structure:

The synthesis of the above compounds has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,978 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Effective amounts of the active compounds can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art but will vary depending on the compound employed, frequency of application and desired result. The compound will generally range from about 1×1⁰⁻⁷ to about 50% w/w of the composition, in one embodiment from about 0.001 to about 50% w/w of the composition and in another embodiment from about 0.1 to about 30% w/w of the composition. Ranges of within about 10-50% w/w; about 20-50% w/w; about 30-40% w/w and about 35% are also included.

The pharmaceutical formulations disclosed herein can include one or more penetration enhancers. The phrase “penetration enhancers” includes any agent that facilitates the transfer of active components to their site of action or maintains them at their site of action. Non-limiting examples of classes of appropriate penetration enhancers include alcohols, glycols, fatty acids, ethers, esters, occlusive agents and surface active agents. Representative examples of these classes are provided below.

Alcohols include, without limitation, ethanol, propanol, N-propanol, isopropanol, butyl alcohol, octanol, benzyl alcohol and acetyl alcohol, in one embodiment, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,244, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Fatty alcohols include, for example, stearyl alcohol and oleyl alcohol.

Glycols include, without limitation, glycerine, propyleneglycol, polyethyleneglycol and other low molecular weight glycols such as glycerol and thioglycerol.

Fatty acids, esters and ethers include, without limitation, oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, straight chain C₄-C₂₀ saturated monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acids, octanoic and decanoic acids, methyl laurate, ethyl oleate, polyethylene glycol monolaurate, propylene glycol monolaurate, propylene glycerol dilaurate, glycerol monolaurate, glycerol monooleate, isopropyl n-decanoate, octyldodecyl myristate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether and compounds wherein a C₂-C₄ alkane diol or triol is substituted with one or two fatty ether substituents.

Occlusive agents include, without limitation, silicones, mineral oils and greases, long chain acids, animal fats and greases, vegetable fats and greases, water insoluble polymers, paraffin, paraffin oil, liquid paraffin, petrolatum, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, yellow petrolatum, microcrystalline wax and ceresin.

Surface active agents include without limitation, polysorbate 20, 40, 60 and 80, TWEEN® (20, 40, 60, 80), POLOXAMER® (231, 182, 184), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), lecithin, lysolecithin, nonylphenoxypolyoxyethylene, lysophosphatidylcholine, polyethylenglycol 400, polyoxyethylene ethers, polyglycol ether surfactants, DMSO, sodium laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and benzalkonium chloride.

Additional penetration enhancers will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art of topical drug delivery, and/or are described in the pertinent texts and literature.

Embodiments disclosed herein can also include viscosity increasing agents. Appropriate agents include, without limitation, methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein can include preservatives including, without limitation, benzyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, chlorobutanol, methyl-, propyl-, or butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acids, phenylmercuric salts including, without limitation, nitrate, chloride, acetate, and borate and betain.

Various other additives may be included in the compositions of the present invention in addition to those identified above. These include, but are not limited to, antioxidants, astringents, perfumes, emollients, pigments, dyes, humectants, propellants, and sunscreen agents, as well as other classes of materials whose presence may be cosmetically, medicinally or otherwise desirable. The compositions and formulations may also be taken in conjunction with minoxidil and propecia.

Compositions can also be formulated as “slow-releasing” formulations so that the activity of active components is sustained for a longer period of time between treatments.

While particular embodiments disclosed herein can include each of the components discussed above, other particular embodiments can be required to be “substantially free” of one or more of these components in various combinations. “Substantially free”, as used herein, means that the component is not added to a formulation and cannot be present in any amount greater than about 1% w/w.

While not limiting the scope of express exclusion of the preceding paragraph, particular embodiments disclosed herein can be substantially free of one or more of bimatoprost, carbomer, NaOH (s), TEA, ethanol, glycerin, diethylene glycol, monoethyl ether, propylene glycol, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, PPG-5 ceteth-20, oleic acid, isostearyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, triglycerides, caprylic/capric, benzyl alcohol, silicone and water.

All components of formulations described herein will be included in amounts that are dermatologically-acceptable. As used herein, “dermatologically-acceptable” means that the compositions or components thereof are suitable for use in contact with human skin without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic response, and the like. As used in herein as applied to active agents and excipients, the term “about” refers to variations in concentrations which are considered to be bioequivalent.

Embodiments disclosed herein find application in mammalian species, including both humans and animals. In humans, the compounds of embodiments disclosed herein can be applied without limitation, to the scalp, face, beard, head, pubic area, upper lip, eyebrows, and eyelids. The compositions of the present inventions may be used for treating various hair loss disorders including but not limited to alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, cicatricial alopecia and scarring alopecia; hair shaft abnormalities such as trichorrexis nodosa, loose anagen syndrome, trichotillomania and traction alopecia; infectious hair disorders such as tiniea capitis, sebohorreic dermatitis, and follicullitus of the scalp; genetic disorders such as androgenetic alopecia and patients undergoing hair loss due to chemotherapy, hormonal imbalance (e.g., thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, child birth, discontinuation of birth control pills and changes in menstrual cycle), fungal infection of the scalp such as ringworm, medicines which cause hair loss such as anti-coagulants, medicine for gout, depression, high blood pressure and certain heart medications. The formulations of the present invention may be used to treat hair loss related to other disease such as diabetes, lupus, and poor nutrition, mental and physical stress such as due to surgery, illness and high fever. Environmental factors and chemicals used in hair treatment (dying, tinting and bleaching).

In animals raised for their pelts, e.g., mink, the formulations can be applied over the entire surface of the body to improve the overall pelt for commercial reasons. The process can also be used for cosmetic reasons in animals, e.g., applied to the skin of dogs and cats having bald patches due to mange or other diseases causing a degree of alopecia.

The compositions and methods of the present invention may be applied to patients suffering from hair loss or in healthy patients simply wanting to increase hair growth in any part of the body.

The compositions disclosed herein are formulated for topical administration. The term “topical administration” as used herein includes applying a formulation as described herein to the outer skin or hair. The application will generally occur at or near the area of desired hair growth.

Accordingly, appropriate formulation or composition types include, without limitation, solutions, gels, ointments, foams, films, liniments, creams, shampoos, lotions, pastes, jellies, sprays and aerosols. Such formulation types can be applied in swaths, patches, applicators or through the use of impregnated dressings depending on the situation and part of the body to be treated.

Typically, the formulations described herein will be applied repeatedly for a sustained period of time to the part of the body to be treated. In particular embodiments, formulations disclosed herein can include one or more applications daily, one or more applications weekly, one or more applications monthly or one or more applications yearly for a period of treatment of at least one day, at least one week, at least one month, at least one year or until the treatment has achieved or achieved and maintained a desired result.

Formulations described herein will be administered in safe and effective amounts. As used herein, “safe and effective amounts” include an amount sufficient so that the composition provides the desired hair growth stimulation effect at a reasonable benefit/risk ratio attendant with any medical treatment. Within the scope of sound medical judgment, the amount of active components used can vary with the particular condition being treated, the severity of the condition, the cause of the condition, the duration of the treatment, the specific active component employed, its concentration, the specific vehicle utilized, the general health of the patient, the tolerance of the patient to various effects of the administration, other drugs being administered to the patient, and like factors within the specific knowledge and expertise of the patient or attending physician.

For daily administration, an appropriate dose can include, without limitation, about 0.1 ng to about 100 mg, about 1 ng to about 10 mg per day or in another embodiment about 10 ng to about 1 mg per day.

Non-limiting examples of some components with their appropriate concentration ranges and function are provided in Table 1 below. Particular examples of non-limiting formulations or compositions are provided in Table 2.

TABLE 1 Example Components with Function and Concentration Ranges Ingredient Function Composition (% w/w) bimatoprost Active 0.03-1.0  carbomer Thickener 0.05-1.0  base Neutralizing Agent 0.01-2.0  ethanol Penetration 10-90 glycerin enhancers 1.0-20  diethylene glycol 1.0-50  monoethyl ether propylene glycol  1-50 polysorbate 20 0.1-5.0 polysorbate 40 0.1-5.0 polysorbate 60 0.1-5.0 polysorbate 80 0.1-5.0 PPG-5 ceteth-20 0.1-5.0 oleic acid 0.1-5.0 isostearyl isostearate 0.1-10  isopropyl myristate 0.1-10  dipropylene glycol dimethyl  1-50 ether diethylene glycol  1-50 dipropylene glycol  1-50 caprylic/capric triglycerides 0.1-10  benzyl alcohol Preservative 0.1-2.0 silicone Occlusive Agent 0.1-10  water Vehicle  0-90

TABLE 2 Example Compositions Ingredient Function Composition (% w/w) bimatoprost Active 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 carbomer Thickener 0.10 0.15 0.125 0.10 0.20 0.25 0.25 NaOH (s) Neutralizing 0.035 Agent TEA Neutralizing 0.22 0.18 0.15 0.22 0.38 0.38 Agent ethanol Penetration 15.0 15.0 30.0 30.0 60.0 60.0 50.0 glycerin enhancers 5.0 diethylene glycol 10.0 10.0 20.0 10 monoethyl ether propylene glycol 20 polysorbate 20 4.0 4.0 4.0 water Vehicle 74.8 70.5 49.595 49.7 34.48 35.27 35.27

Example I Preparations of Bimatoprost Scalp Hair Growth Gel Compositions

Ethyl alcohol is weighed into a suitable media jar equipped for mixing, bimatoprost is then added to the ethyl alcohol and stirred at moderate speed until bimatoprost is dissolved. Into separate mixing tank water for injection, glycerin, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and propylene glycol are added and mixed until the solvents are dispersed. Ethyl alcohol/bimatoprost solution is then added into the water mixture and mixed until the components are homogenously mixed (about 5 minutes of mixing). To the above mixture the carbomer thickener is added and mixed until well dispersed, once dispersed a base is added to thicken the solution into a gel. Representative formulations made according to the method above are shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Bimatoprost Scalp Hair Growth Topical Gel Formulations Bimatoprost Bimatoprost Bimatoprost Bimatoprost 0.03% 0.1% 0.3% 0.2% (Propylene (Propylene (Propylene (Propylene Glycol) Glycol) Glycol) Glycol) Ingredient (% w/w) Function Solution Solution Solution Solution Bimatoprost Active 0.03 0.1 0.3 0.2 Propylene glycol Penetration 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 Diethylene glycol enhancer 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 monoethyl ether Ethyl alcohol 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 Glycerin 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Carbomer (Ultrez 10) Thickener 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Triethanolamine Neutralizing 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.16 agent Purified water Vehicle 47.66 47.59 47.39 47.49

Example II. In Vivo Treatment

A study is initiated to systematically evaluate the appearance of hair on the scalp and eyebrows who are administered bimatoprost gel formulations as in Table 3. The study involves 10 subjects, 5 male, 5 female, average age 70 years, (ranging from 50-94 years). Each subject is treated daily by the topical application of bimatoprost by the 0.3% w/w bimatoprost formulation of Table 3.

The study is limited to subjects who have administered bimatoprost for more than 3 months. The mean duration of exposure to the 0.3% w/w bimatoprost gel formulation prior to assessing the parameter of hair or eyebrow growth between the control and study eye is 129 days (range 90-254 days). Observations are made under high magnification at a slit lamp biomicroscope. Documentation of differences between the control and treatment areas is accomplished using a camera specially adapted for use with a slit lamp biomicroscope.

The Results of the Observations Will Be as Follows:

Length of hair and eyebrows: Increased length of hair in both groups is regularly observed. The difference in length varies from approximately 10% to as much as 30%.

Number of hairs and eyebrows: Increased numbers of hairs are observed on the scalp and eyebrows of each patient. The difference in number of hair and eyebrows varies from approximately 5% to as much as 30%. Whether statistically significant or not, bimatoprost with a penetration enhancer will provide better and/or faster results than bimatoprost without a penetration enhancer.

The foregoing observations will establish that 0.03% w/w bimatoprost composition penetrates skin and grows hair.

Example III. Topical Cream

A topical 0.2% w/w bimatoprost cream is prepared as follows: Tegacid and spermaceti are melted together at a temperature of 70-80° C. Methylparaben is dissolved in about 500 gm of water and propylene glycol, polysorbate 80, bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer are added in turn, maintaining a temperature of 75-80° C. The methylparaben mixture is added slowly to the Tegacid and spermaceti melt, with constant stirring. The addition is continued for at least 30 minutes with additional stirring until the temperature has dropped to 40-45° C. Finally, sufficient water is added to bring the final weight to 1000 gm and the preparation stirred to maintain homogeneity until cooled and congealed.

Example IV. Topical Cream

A 0.1% w/w bimatoprost topical cream is prepared as follows: Tegacid and spermaceti are melted together at a temperature of 70-80° C. Methylparaben is dissolved in water and propylene glycol, polysorbate 80, bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer are added in turn, maintaining a temperature of 75-80° C. The methylparaben mixture is added slowly to the Tegacid and spermaceti melt, with constant stirring. The addition is continued for at least 30 minutes with additional stirring until the temperature has dropped to 40-45° C. Finally, sufficient water is added to bring the final weight to 1000 gm and the preparation stirred to maintain homogeneity until cooled and congealed.

Example V. Topical Ointment

An Ointment Containing 2.0% w/w Bimatoprost is Prepared as Follows:

White petrolatum and wool fat are melted, strained and liquid petrolatum is added thereto. Bimatoprost, a penetration enhancer, zinc oxide, and calamine are added to the remaining liquid petrolatum and the mixture milled until the powders are finely divided and uniformly dispersed. The mixture is stirred into the white petrolatum, melted and cooled with stirring until the ointment congeals. In other variants, the zinc oxide and/or calamine can be omitted such that the formulation is substantially free of the zinc oxide or calamine.

Example VI. Ointment

An ointment containing 5% w/w bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer is prepared by adding the active compound to light liquid petrolatum. White petrolatum is melted together with wool fat, strained, and the temperature adjusted to 45-50° C. The liquid petrolatum slurry is added and the ointment stirred until congealed. The ointment can be packaged in 30 gm tubes.

Example VII. Spray Formulation

An aqueous spray formulation containing 0.03%, w/w bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer are prepared as follows. Bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer are dissolved in water and the resulting solution is sterilized by filtration. The solution is aseptically filled into sterile containers with a spray nozzle for application on top of the head. The formulation is as follows:

TABLE 4 Bimatoprost Spray Formulation of Example VII Ingredient (% w/w) Function Spray formulation Bimatoprost Active 0.03 Propylene glycol Penetration 5 Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether enhancer 5 Ethyl alcohol 15 Light mineral oil — Ceteareth 12 — Glycerin 1 Carbomer (Ultrez 10) Thickener — Triethanolamine Neutralizing — agent Purified water Vehicle 24 Hydrofluoro carbon, hydrocarbon Propellant 49.97 propellant, CO₂, or, Nitrogen

Example VIII. Lotion

A sample of bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer is dissolved in the vehicle of N-methyl pyrrolidone and propylene glycol to make a 0.5% w/w bimatoprost lotion for application to the scalp or other parts of the body for growing hair.

Example IX. Aerosol

An aerosol containing approximately 0.1% w/w bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer is prepared by dissolving the bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer in absolute alcohol. The resulting solution is filtered to remove particles and lint. This solution is chilled to about −30° C. A chilled mixture of dichlorodifluoromethane and dichlorotetrafluoroethane is then added to the solution. Thirteen ml plastic-coated amber bottles can be cold filled with 11.5 gm each of the resulting solution and capped. The aerosol may be sprayed onto the scalp or other parts of the body to grow hair.

Example X. Topical Foam Formulation

A 0.1% w/w bimatoprost topical foam formulation is prepared as follows: Methylparaben is dissolved in about 500 gm of water and propylene glycol, polysorbate 80, bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer are added in turn, maintaining a temperature of 75-80° C. The methylparaben mixture is added slowly to Tegacid and spermaceti, with constant stirring. The addition is continued for at least 30 minutes with additional stirring until the temperature has dropped to 40-45° C. Finally, sufficient water is added to bring the final weight to 1000 gm and the preparation stirred to maintain homogeneity until cooled and congealed.

An alternative foam formulation prepared in a similar manner as taught in Example X in Table V is as follows:

Ingredient (% w/w) Function Foam formulation Bimatoprost Active 0.03 Propylene glycol Penetration — Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether enhancer 5 Ethyl alcohol 10 Light mineral oil 6 Cctcarcth 12 5 Glycerin — Carbomer (Ultrez 10) Thickener —

Example XI. Dusting Powder

A powder of the compound bimatoprost and a penetration enhancer is prepared by mixing in dry form with talcum powder at a weight/weight ratio of 1:1:10.

Example XII. Related Compounds

Following the procedures of the preceding Examples, compositions are similarly prepared substituting an equimolar amount of a compound of Table 1 for the bimatoprost disclosed in the preceding Examples.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, etc. used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” “About” refers to variations in concentrations of excipients and types of excipients which are considered to be bioequivalent according to the FDA and other regulatory authorities.

Example XIII

A 44 year old Caucasian male undergoing hair loss due to alopecia areata applies once daily before sleeping the 0.1% w/w bimatoprost composition of Table 3 for a period of 6 months. After 3 months of application, the subject will notice new hair growth where there previously had been none and darkening of the follicles of old hair. Observations of new hair growth are made under high magnification at the slit lamp biomicroscope and by computer assisted image analysis. Documentation of differences between the control and treatment areas is accomplished using a camera specially adapted for use with the slit lamp biomicroscope.

Example XIV

A 37 year old Hispanic male suffering from male pattern baldness due to androgenetic alopecia applies the 0.2% w/w bimatoprost composition of Table 3 twice daily in areas where hair is noticeably thinning. After 63 days of application, increased growth of hair will be noticed as will be new hair growth as measured by high magnification at the slit lamp biomicroscope and by computer assisted image analysis. After satisfactory levels of hair growth are observed, the patient applies the 0.2% w/w bimatoprost composition only twice a week.

Example XV

A 29 year old Caucasian healthy female wishes to have fuller hair and more hair growth even though no disease or hair loss condition has been diagnosed by doctors. The patient will apply the 0.3% w/w bimatoprost composition of Table 3 once daily until more hair growth is observed after approximately three months of use. The patient continues to apply the composition once a week to maintain the increased hair growth.

Example XVI

A 35 year old African American male diagnosed with follicular degeneration syndrome and associated hair loss will apply the 0.03% w/w bimatoprost composition of Table 3. The composition will be applied twice daily, once in the morning after showering and once in the evening. After 46 days of application, increased hair growth will be noticed and easing of the symptoms of follicular degeneration syndrome. The patient continues application for another 6 months. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of stimulating hair growth, the method comprising topically administering to a region of skin of a patient in need thereof a composition comprising: 0.01% to 5% w/w bimatoprost in free form or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and, a penetration enhancer comprising a combination of a first penetration enhancer group comprising ethanol, propylene glycol, and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and a second penetration enhancer group comprising an effective amount of at least two compounds selected from the group consisting of glycerol monooleate, oleic acid, and benzyl alcohol.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the region of skin is a scalp of the patient.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the region of skin is a face of the patient.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the region of skin is under or near one or more eyebrows of the patient.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the region of skin is under or near one or more eyelids of the patient.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is administered to the skin once daily.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is administered to the skin twice daily.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises about 0.03% w/w to about 5% w/w bimatoprost.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the composition comprises 1% w/w bimatoprost.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein administration of the composition is effective for the treatment of at least one of the conditions selected from the group consisting of alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, cicatricial alopecia, scarring alopecia; hair shaft abnormalities, trichorrexis nodosa, loose anagen syndrome, trichotillomania, traction alopecia, infectious hair disorders, tiniea capitis, sebohorreic dermatitis, follicullitus of the scalp, and androgenetic alopecia.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the method stimulates the conversion of vellus hair to terminal hair.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the method increases the rate of growth of terminal hair. 